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about Sukajan
The roots of the Souvenir Jacket, or Sukajan in Japanese, can be traced back to American soldiers stationed in the Pacific Theater following the end of World War II. During the post-war occupation, American troops began getting traditional Japanese designs hand-stitched into the backs of their jackets to commemorate their time in Japan. Popular designs included Japanese (and Chinese) style dragons, cherry blossoms and trees. Other soldiers chose local artwork that ranged from traditional maps to Geisha girls. These jackets would often incorporate rayon and silk and, in some cases, were actually constructed from excess silk salvaged from military parachutes. These jackets were brought back to the United States as literal souvenirs and sometimes were purchased as gifts for family members and close friends. Other than the embroidered designs themselves, this style of jacket is defined by its cut, which is similar to a classic American baseball jacket. They often incorporated bold colors and contrasting sleeves. The origin of the term ‘Sukajan’ is contested; with some believing the word was an amalgamation of Sky Dragon Jumper in Japanese. Others trace the origins of the name to Yokosuka, an area where American soldiers were stationed; simply combine the words ‘Yokosuka’ and Japanese-accented ‘Jumper’ and you get ‘Sukajan.’
名前の由来
第二次世界大戦後間もない頃、横須賀米軍基地で日本駐留のアメリカ軍兵士達が記念として鷲・虎・龍などのオリエンタル柄や自分の所属していた部隊や基地などのエンブレムをデザインした刺繍をテーラーショップにオーダーしたのが始まり。 最初期のものは米兵が各々持ち込んだ落下傘の生地(当時はシルク)を染色し、ジャンパーに仕立てた後、刺繍職人が希望の刺繍を施す完全オーダー品であった。戦後、アメリカ軍兵士たちの間では、お土産物のジャケットを意味する「スーベニールジャケット」「スーベニアジャケット」などの呼び方で親しまれた。1960年代頃から「スーベニールジャケット」は「スカジャン」と呼ばれるようになった。由来については以下の2つがある。「横須賀ジャンパー」の略横須賀のジャンパーによくスカイドラゴンの刺繍が施されていたことから、スカイドラゴンジャンパーの略なお定番の鳥の刺繍は、鷲なのか鷹なのかで議論になることもあるが、横須賀の老舗ショップでは一般的に「鷹」と呼ぶ。
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